Design of an explosive detection system using Monte Carlo method. (November 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hernández-Adame, Pablo Luis; Medina-Castro, Diego; Rodriguez-Ibarra, Johanna Lizbeth; Salas-Luevano, Miguel Angel; Vega-Carrillo, Hector Rene
• Is Part Of: Applied radiation and isotopes. Volume 117(2016:Nov.)
• Page Start: 27
• Page End: 31
• Publication Date: 2016-11
• Subjects: MCNPX -- Neutrons -- Gamma rays -- Explosives -- Dose; Radiology -- Periodicals; Radiation -- Industrial applications -- Periodicals; Nuclear chemistry -- Periodicals; Internet resource; Periodical; 660.298
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2016.04.008
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0969-8043

Abstract

Abstract: Regardless the motivation terrorism is the most important risk for the national security in many countries. Attacks with explosives are the most common method used by terrorists. Therefore several procedures to detect explosives are utilized; among these methods are the use of neutrons and photons. In this study the Monte Carlo method an explosive detection system using a 241 AmBe neutron source was designed. In the design light water, paraffin, polyethylene, and graphite were used as moderators. In the work the explosive RDX was used and the induced gamma rays due to neutron capture in the explosive was estimated using NaI(Tl) and HPGe detectors. When light water is used as moderator and HPGe as the detector the system has the best performance allowing distinguishing between the explosive and urea. For the final design the Ambient dose equivalent for neutrons and photons were estimated along the radial and axial axis. Highlights: A system to detect explosives was designed using the MCNPX code. The system uses the gamma-rays induced by neutron capture. As neutron source the isotopic 241 AmBe was used. In the design, the performance of four moderators were included. The NaI(Tl) and HPGe were used as photon detectors